8 Tips to Help Kids Sleep When Traveling on Planes

And other ways to retain your sanity!

Flying can be a stressful experience for most people. When you add kids to the mix, it only gets more complicated. Helping kids sleep while on a plane can be even more challenging because of the unfamiliar surroundings and noise.

There are a number of ways to help kids sleep on a plane, so long as you plan ahead. Kids aren’t the only ones who will need help sleeping on a plane, parents and other adults should also read this. So, here are some tips to help kids sleep on a plane.

Here are 8 tips for helping kids sleep when traveling by air:

1. Arrive at the airport early

This way, your children will have time to get used to their surroundings. Let them walk around the terminal and get their blood pumping.

This will also help them tire out before the flight.

Kids who are already tired from a long day of traveling can be difficult to handle on a plane. It is important that they get plenty of sleep when possible, so arrive at the airport early enough to give your children time to stretch their legs and burn off some energy!

2. Bring along noise-canceling earphones and headphones

Soothing music or white noise will help block out any distracting sounds coming from other parts of the airport as well as those made by other passengers during the flight.

Also, the earphones will help prevent your little ones from being startled by sudden noises such as the plane’s engine starting.

You can find various types of noise-canceling headphones on the market. Some are in-ear, over-the-head, or behind-the-neck styles. There is even a newer style which resembles swimming goggles with soft foam pads around them to block out all sounds

3. Give your children something to chew on

Especially if they are younger than two years old, this will help prevent pressure in their ears and make them more comfortable during takeoff and landing.

It might also stop them from waking up too soon! However, you should monitor how much candy or gum they are having to see if it affects their ears.

You could also try a lollipop or a sugar-free candy to prevent any tooth decay. Some brands even make jelly beans and hard candies specifically for this purpose

4. Have kids play games on their phones or tablets

This is helpful for older children who might get bored of the flight. However, you should monitor how much time they are spending on their devices so that it doesn’t interfere with sleep later on in the flight. Games should be age-appropriate.

You could also bring along a few of their favorite toys, but keep in mind that they will need to fit into your carry-on bag

5. Bring their own food and drinks

This is especially important if your children can’t or won’t eat what’s served on the plane.

If you are flying abroad, sometimes the in-flight food will be a bit exotic for their palettes.

It will also help them stay hydrated during a long flight. You don’t want your child getting dehydrated when flying!

It’s also a good idea for them to drink plenty of fluids before going on the plane so that their bladder doesn’t feel as full during takeoff and landing. This includes breast milk if you are feeding your baby.

Also, you might want to look into bringing food or drinks that contain melatonin, or a melatonin pill. This is a hormone that helps the body feel more relaxed and drowsy, so it will help your little one sleep on the plane. Very small dosages will work fine.

6. Bring along a favorite toy or blanket

This can be helpful in getting your kids to sleep. However, you should make sure that it is small enough to fit into their carry-on bag.

You don’t want them waking up with tons of space around them and nothing they know!

You could also bring along a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. This can make them feel more secure and comfortable on the plane.

7. Try to take a nap while they’re napping

If you are flying with your child, this can be quite tricky. However, if you have the option of taking a short nap or resting during their sleep cycle (the time when they won’t wake up), it would definitely make sense to do so!

It will help you get through the rest of the day and can even help you keep your sanity if they sleep well.

Also, it’s important not to over-tire them before getting on a plane! It will make for an unpleasant flight no matter how much fun they have during takeoff and landing.

8. Bring along a pillow and blanket for your child

This can help them sleep more comfortably on the plane. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you will need to store this in your carry-on bag or under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing.

You don’t want them sleeping with their head down when they could be woken up by turbulence or sudden movements!

You could also bring along a travel pillow for them to sleep with. These are smaller and take less space in your carry-on bag, but they might not work as well as a blanket.

While traveling on planes with children can be stressful, there are ways to make it easier!

Just keep in mind that every child is different and you should do your best to accommodate their needs.

You might also want to consider asking for a seat change or getting an extra one so they have more room during the flight. With these tips, flying with your child will be a breeze!

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